Globe Corner Blogs

Yesterday I played “Customer.” It’s similar to playing “House,” only instead of  serving a dinner made of plastic to my stuffed animals I went on an imaginary vacation. I pored over every guide book available for the place, unfolded every map ever drawn, and then stood staring at the shelf perplexed and overwhelmed.

After the initial wave of panic subsided and I’d taken a deep breath–in through the nose, out through the mouth, flapping hand motions–I steadied myself and reached confidently toward the Québec shelf.

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Montreal Bike Path--photo by Kate McQuillen

In many of the northern cities I’ve lived in, such as Toronto, Chicago, and Boston, the arrival of warm weather brings a sort of delirium. More than just nicer temperatures, there is a feeling in the air of promise and excitement, mixed with relief and thankfulness. We squint, and recognize that bright yellow orb in the sky, from so many months ago. We are ready to sunbathe, anywhere and everywhere, for the next 90 days.

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